A Fire that Destroys; a Fire that Builds

An arson attack on Aish UK should spur us to stand up for Jewish education.

On Friday evening, June 18, 2004, there was a serious arson attack at Aish UK's Hendon center. Fortunately no one was in the building at the time. Three fire engines were required to get the blaze under control.

Two Torah scrolls were torn and desecrated in the attack. Much of the administrative offices have been destroyed and the entire function of the outreach center has been badly damaged. Initial estimates put damage in excess of $400,000.

The following is a speech Rabbi Naftali Schiff, the executive director of Aish UK, gave at a Show of Solidarity at Aish UK Headquarters.

The first I heard of the fire was when I arrived for Shabbat morning prayers at 9 am to be met by a police cordon. I was allowed into the building in order to lift the Torah scrolls from the floor where they were lying, having been thrown out of the Ark, undressed and there they lay torn on the floor.

The initial thoughts, through tears and trembling, were of my grandmother who escaped from Germany in the 1930's and of my other grandmothers family who perished in the fiery hell of Auschwitz. Then I literally got up from the floor, with the Torah scroll still in my hands, and was filled with a very different sensation. A feeling of strength, of determination, of pride, of resolution surged through me. Perhaps what these evil people did not know about us is that the Jewish response to adversity is to grow from it. To emerge stronger as a result. To stand taller and prouder than ever.

That Torah scroll I was holding was ripped on next week's portion. The tear was right next to the curses of Bilaam, a man who came 2,500 years ago to curse the Jewish people, but from his curse there came only blessing. "Ma tovu ohalecha yaakov mishkenotecha Yisrael -- How goodly are your tents, O Jacob, your dwelling places, O Israel" (Numbers 24:5). The buildings of our people are dedicated to goodness, to kindness, to tolerance, to charity, to family, to understanding, to knowledge, to the building of a better world. That is what our building was and is dedicated to achieving.

The exact same column of the Torah scroll also contains the verse: "A people that dwells alone" (Numbers 23:9). The only way to tackle anti-Semitism at its root is to remind ourselves what we stand for as individuals and as a people, inculcate it and teach it to the world. We gave the world monotheism, love your neighbour, charity, equality before the law and being happy with your lot. We live in a world in which many of our own community are ignorant of and apathetic towards any of these or any other Jewish values.

Let us today make a commitment to learn these lessons ourselves, teach them to our children, and transform the Jewish people into what it can be for us and for all of mankind. Until we do this, there will be hatred, malice and selfishness both in our community and beyond.

Our generation of Jews faces two battlefronts. One is the physical and one is the battle of morality, for building a world of decency and goodness. Both need to be fought to the full. No longer will Jews sit by and let themselves be attacked with equanimity. However, no less important is tackling the underlying stress fractures of society via education and example. Physical defense and security deal with the symptoms; education tackles the root and source of the problem. Let us make a commitment today to work together to apply solutions to both.

By living and educating our children as Jews, we personify the very opposite of what the anti-Semites were out to achieve.

The messages of support and offers for assistance are overwhelming; the greatest help we can receive at Aish is the greatest answer our people have always given to every anti-Semite in history. They have wanted to destroy us and everything we stand for. By living and educating our children as Jews, by standing up for justice, goodness, knowledge and decency as Jews, we personify the very opposite of what they were out to achieve.

There is fire that destroys and there is fire that forges strength, unity and resolve. Our response is to be all the more resolute and committed to educating young Jews with a pride and knowledge in their heritage and a commitment to shoulder responsibility in the community. Help us to continue with our work. We are just coming to terms with the situation and working out the way forward. Of course we need financial help to continue. There are other ways people can help too. At this stage we are taking stock and strategizing. We will get back to people with other suggestions.

May I close with the verse that stared me in the face most powerfully on Shabbat morning. The image is of a lion cub that can only be held back for so long, however as the verse says, this "people will arise like a lion cub and raise itself like a lion" (Numbers 23:24). The Jewish psyche is no stranger to adversary and challenge. However we refuse to succumb. We are Am Yisrael, a people blessed with the privilege of being engaged in the struggle to build a better world.

Like a phoenix from the ashes, Aish UK will rise "ki b'aish hitzata, ub'aish ata atid livnota" -- for the destruction came about through fire and through fire -- through "aish" which means fire in Hebrew -- it will be rebuilt.

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About the Author

Rabbi Naftali Schiff is Executive Director of Aish UK. Raised in London, Naftali studied at Yeshivat HaKotel in Jerusalem's Old City prior to graduating from LSE with a degree in International Relations. He made aliyah and joined the IDF's Givati unit. In Israel, he received rabbinic ordination from the Jerusalem Rabbinate and a Diploma of Education, before assuming the role of Director of the Jerusalem Fellowships. In 1999 he returned to London to head Aish UK. He is also the founder of independent charities GIFT (Gift it Forward Today) and JRoots – an educational organization that facilitates Jewish Journeys Connecting Generations.

Visitor Comments: 26

(26)
Anonymous,
July 4, 2004 12:00 AM

My heart weeps with you

I think what has happened is a sign again that the evil in this world is daily increasing. I am so sorry for this terrible attack and will pray that HaShem gives you back 100 fold what the enemy has tried to take. Yes, our tragedies HaShem can turn them around to strengthen and teach us life's lessons. You are such a blessing and I so much enjoy reading your truths from the Torah. Keep up the good work. Let us pray that these sick individuals will be caught and receive their just reward. Shalom, Miriam

(25)
Howard Prager,
July 2, 2004 12:00 AM

We must grow from adversity

I am saddened by this senseless, horrible attack. I just returned from a 10 day trip to Paris and Brussels and here's what I learned. The Muslim population in Europe is really growing (10 percent in those countries), and the politicians are pandering to them. Hopefully they will come to the realization that they need to support all people, and we will see this senseless violence cease. Congratulations on rebuilding, for we must show we cannot be defeated nor will not go away.

(24)
Bonnie, Texas Grandmother,
July 2, 2004 12:00 AM

Return to Israel

Rabbi you are a very courageous strong person to stand up to such a heart breaking attack with determination to rebuild. But, please, please, listen to the distant german drum beating in England and Europe instead. Could this be a warning? England has changed. It is not safe to rebuild. Keep in mind the highway, the road that you traveled, return Maiden Israel, return to these cities of yours in Israel where the Torah was written.

(23)
Lorraine Uveges,
July 1, 2004 12:00 AM

On All Fronts....

We as a people are seeing a rise in anti-semitism "on all fronts". Here in Canada there have been recent attacks on our schools, Temples and our graveyards have been desicrated...society still treats us "Jews" as sub-human, will they never learn by their past mistakes??? It makes us fearful in all countries...not just in Europe....

(22)
Don,
July 1, 2004 12:00 AM

Maybe this is a call home

The prophets tell us G-d will call His people home just prior to the time called Jacob's trouble. (Jeremiah 30) What has come to pass at this point does not compare with what is yet to come. The vine must be pruned and made ready for the Lord of the vineyard.
It is time to go home and possess the Land which the LORD hath given to your fathers.

(21)
Anonymous,
June 30, 2004 12:00 AM

What Are Jews Doing In Europe? Haven't We Learned Anything?

R. Schiff - Reading your article made me think, once again, about why in the world any Jew would still live in Europe after the Holocaust? Didn't you all get the message? They don't like us there! Not even a little bit! It confounds me how any Jew would live anywhere today outside of either Israel or the United States. Maybe the message of that horrible arson attack is not to teach our children how to endure Anti-Semitism, as you suggest, but instead that we shouldn't be in a place that both historically and currently hates us. Of course that's just one guys's opinion...

(20)
Michael Lechtman,
June 30, 2004 12:00 AM

Europe's anti-semitism is fueled by arab influence

There are all types of anti-semitism. I believe the type now shown in Europe (especially France, and now England) is a result of the growing arab population in these countries and the financial and political influence they wield to promote their hatred. European governments are corrupted by arab money. Police and politicians there seem to turn their backs to the abuses under arab pressure. It is nothing more than a growing world terror organization aimed at Jews and anything western. It is terror, pure and simple. Terrorists must be found and eliminated wherever they exist. The lack of reporting in the U.S. about the firebombing is appalling, reflecting an attitude that as long as it's happening to Jews, who cares? The world must know by our hard responses to such incidents that we care--a great deal, and that we will do whatever it takes to root it out and destroy it wherever it exists with an iron fist.

(19)
Anonymous,
June 29, 2004 12:00 AM

You have made many more friends

History has proven time and again that this kind of destructive behaviour always fails by making the population dislike its perpetrators. By living according to Jewish morality good people, of all kinds, will want to work with you. Remember that for every person who does a deed as evil as destroying a place of such beautiful tradition where people worship their God, there are millions and millions who now support you and pray for you. Continue to do good, follow the Torah and the words of God, and good people will want to work with you all over the world.

(18)
sjhepner,
June 28, 2004 12:00 AM

May you build a bigger and better Aish centre!

I hope thay you build a bigger and better Aish... with 24 hour security, back to base alarms. and fire alarms... hidden cameras are also a good idea...good on you Aish... and lots of naches...

(17)
Julian Cox,
June 28, 2004 12:00 AM

News Blackout

If I may respond to Margaret Graham's comments... As far as I understand it - and I cannot speak for the Board itself - it has been for some while the policy of the Board of Deputies of British Jews together with the Home Office and governments over many years to discourage reporting of anti-Semitic acts of all kinds in order not to give the perpetrators the oxygen of publicity for their cause. Despite unremitting bias from the BBC, inter alia, of both Israel and British Jewish opinion, the BBC and others have co-operated with this policy. I am in two minds as to its efficacy, but I believe this to be the reason for the absence of press and media coverage, not a conspiracy of silence on the part of these bodies. These appalling attacks were, however, freely covered in all Jewish news media in order for us all in the community to be on our guard.

(16)
jennifer rudner,
June 28, 2004 12:00 AM

How sad

My heart goes out to the congregation of this shul. May you all grow from this horrific experience.

(15)
David,
June 28, 2004 12:00 AM

pain in my heart

Very sorry to hear this news, a very hard pain in my heart to know that two Sefer Torah were torn and desacrated, may G-d help the police to find the cowards and receive our solidarity from Panama.

(14)
Sol Jakubowicz,
June 28, 2004 12:00 AM

The reaction?

I too, like Rabbi Schiff, upon hearing this shocking news had visions of 1939 Germany. I admire the sentiment of rebuilding and growing stronger from the adversity. But I could not help think that the Rabbis of 1939 Germany made similar speeches and had similar reactions. Hindsight is 20/20, but it is now clear that the right thing to do back then was to leave, if you could. Maybe today, rather than resolving to rebuild better and stronger, Jews should consider the option of moving to Israel and rebuilding OUR true and eternal homeland better and stronger. The "battle of morality, for building a world of decency and goodness" could be, and should be, fought from here. In any case, my thoughts and best wishes are with Aish London and the Jewish community there.

(13)
David Olesker,
June 28, 2004 12:00 AM

The answer to antisemitism is more semitism!

Keep up the good work.

(12)
Rabbi Pinchos Woolstone,
June 27, 2004 12:00 AM

let there be warmth and light

As a Chabad Rabbi in Sydney Australia I join all Yidden in expressing a common grief at the terrible circumstances which befell you community.However I am sure that Almighty G-d will help you rebuild your centre to bring even greater glory to His People and His Torah.

(11)
Margaret Graham,
June 27, 2004 12:00 AM

news blackout?

I check all UK news every day on behalf of various projects. This email was the first time I heard of the arson attack.
I wonder why.

(10)
Anonymous,
June 27, 2004 12:00 AM

Good vs. Evil

Rabbi Schiff's comments are so appropriate and illustrate that what is going on in the world is no less than the battle of Good vs. Evil, and without doubt the truth of the Torah will prevail in the end. Meanwhile, as Golda Meir said, the Arab-Israeli conflict will end when they love their children more than they hate us. Ditto for the anti-semites in all corners of the Globe

(9)
Nancy,
June 27, 2004 12:00 AM

I will stand with you

As a Christian, I am appalled that this kind of behavior takes place. Please know that I, and many other Christians, stand with you against this and all anti-Semetic behavior.

(8)
Anonymous,
June 26, 2004 12:00 AM

Speechless

Dear AishStaff;

I am utterly shocked, and completely speechless.

L'Chaim
Otillia de Andrade

(7)
Philip Anderton,
June 26, 2004 12:00 AM

Fire at Hendon Centre

I read about the fire at your Hendon centre in the Daily Express this week. I just wish to say how sorry I am that this has happened but admire the positive attitude and faith in the Lord that you have shown. Well done.
As a Christian my heart is for Israel who worships the same Lord that I do.
My prayers are with you and may He bless you.

(6)
Joshua Jacobson,
June 25, 2004 12:00 AM

thank you R. Schiff

Thank you R. Schiff for giving the Aish community and the larger Jewish community chizuk on the aftermath of this event. Thank you for showing us how to live out the principle that everything Hashem gives us for the good, summed up by the inscription on Shlomo HaMelech's ring: Gam Zu Latov. May this be a Shabbat of Shalom in London and the whole world.

(5)
Adam Neira,
June 25, 2004 12:00 AM

The cowardice of mindless destruction.

Baruch Hashem, no-one was injured in this cowardly attack.

As the saying goes...

"What doesn't kill you, can only make you stronger."

These weak perpetrators should remember that even if they think they have gotten away with this dastardly act, the Master of the Universe watches all of us and keeps account of all of our actions both good and bad. The arsonists will pay for their crime in due course...

(4)
Anonymous,
June 25, 2004 12:00 AM

inspiring and true

"ela shebeKOL DOR VADOR omdim aleino lechaloteyno" the images of the torn sefer torah stand in my eyes, but through the sadness, as u pointed out i feel more proud to be a jew because weve been through so many experiences but always- "vehakadosh baroch ho matzilenu meyadam!". Lets try to make this experience bring us closer together here and with the people in israel

(3)
michael flynn,
June 24, 2004 12:00 AM

As you say ..it will only make us stronger

It's so sad to face this kind of pathetic and possibly pre meditated desecration but what the perpetrators will also probably be ignorant to is the fact that these actions, harmful as they are, will only promote resolve and unity to promote the right way forward and for effective education of Jewish values for life - we can be sad, but happy and stronger for the future

(2)
Anonymous,
June 24, 2004 12:00 AM

excellent message

When a Jewish individual is faced with anti semitism, leaving Judaism is Not the answer, people will still see him/her as a Jew and it's like he/she is agreeing that the world is right to bother. Many people have tried to come up with solutions, but it is right in front of us. Jewish individuals need a strong Jewish education so we can be strong. And they need to be shown and experience the beauty of Judaism. Because if they are only experiencing what the world is throwing at them and Not experiencing the joy of their of their heritage then they'll want to leave. But if they see and feel the beauty of Judaism they will be strengthened. Experience shabbat and other holy days with family and friends, take classes or learn with a friend. Learn and practice.

(1)
Anonymous,
June 24, 2004 12:00 AM

What comes to mind when I think of the apt title of this article, is of how deliberate fires are set in some forests to allow the vegitation to flourish again, better than before. From a distance, it may look like it is wanton destruction, but in essance, it is clearing the underbrush so that newer, stronger trees can grow forth from it. May H-shem grant you much brachah as you build an even stonger foundation than ever before. Chazak V'ametz! (P.S. Usually when one destroys something, is it because they are jealous of it. Maybe invite the arsonists to come have a look at what they destroyed, and what exactly what Aish does for the klal...)

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

With stories and insights,
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